Mr Ian Battersby - Weekly Update 31st August 2022

Mr Ian Battersby: Weekly Update 31/08/2022 One of the reasons that BIS is such a great place to learn is because there is such a strong sense of community. The pandemic has forced many information sessions to be online, but as we now learn to live with Covid, it has been super to see so many parents join us on campus for the three coffee mornings held across the primary campuses this week.

One of the reasons that BIS is such a great place to learn is because there is such a strong sense of community. Last year, the pandemic forced many information sessions to be online, but as we now learn to live with Covid, it has been super to see so many parents join us on campus for the coffee mornings held across the primary campuses this week.

Being part of an international school community has many benefits for children, parents and staff alike.  I know in my family, my children have developed friendships with others from all over the world, and I am certain those relationships will remain with them for the rest of their lives.  Another benefit is that we get to enjoy our host country Vietnam, with its diverse culture, delicious food and wonderful festivals and celebrations.  We are all looking forward to Moon Festival which we celebrate on Friday 9th September.  You should have received an email about Friday's Dragon Dance at the Junior Campus and the assembly at the EY&I Campus on Tuesday.  If you haven’t received this information, please contact Ms Ha (our head TA) - Ha.Dinh@bisvietnam.com).

Vietnamese Language Coffee Morning

Vietnamese classes (2022-2023) from Year 1 to Year 6 will start on September 6^th after school. The teachers will go through the class expectations and then the first lesson will be delivered. Parents can find more information about what will be taught in the Vietnamese lessons by checking the Vietnamese Seesaw class on Tuesday afternoon. Homework will be set each week on Friday afternoon. We look forward to working with your children over the course of the year.

If you were unable to attend the coffee morning on Monday, you can see the presentation by clicking on the link below:

Vietnamese Coffee Morning EY&I

Vy Bui

Vietnamese Coordinator

Parent Teacher Student Conferences (PTSCs)

For children to thrive in their education, the partnership between home and school has to be strong.  On Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th September, ‘Parent, Teacher, Student Conferences’ will be held. These meetings provide an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between home and school.  On Monday, you should have received a letter regarding the PTSCs, and details of how to log in to our Parents Evening Software to make an appointment with your child’s class teacher. If you did not receive this information, please contact Van Pho - Van.Pho@bisvietnam.com.

Settling in Workshop for New Families

Starting a new school or a new job is stressful. Moving countries is stressful.  Doing both is very stressful, so it so important that we take time to think about how we should be looking after ourselves in these moments.  At BIS, we have a great team of people ready to help and support families moving into Vietnam.  Our admissions team provide the support prior to arrival and then our teaching teams provide the general support, and our ASC (advice, support and counselling) team are ready in any circumstance.

It was so good to see many of our new families at the Settling in Workshop on Wednesday morning.  Some great advice was shared and you can review it once more by clicking on the link below;

Settling in workshop presentation

We never know when we might need support, so please, if you are finding it difficult to settle, reach out to our ASC team and I know they will be more than happy to spend time to talk.  Ms Saskia can be contacted on Saskia.Dodds-smith@bisvietnam.com.

Fundinotots - Our Parent, Baby and Toddler Programme

Do you know about our Fundinotots programme? Open to all parents and their children aged 0 to 36 months, it’s the ideal way to connect with the BIS community, enjoy time in a stimulating environment with your little one and make friendships and connections with parents of children of a similar age.  To find out more about the programme or to organise a visit, contact Sarah Bonner.  Sarah.Bonner@bisvietnam.com

Co-Curricula Activities

The Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) sign up closed at 5pm last Friday.  You should have been notified regarding which clubs your child will be participating in.  For any clubs requiring payment, please see Ms Minh in reception or email Minh.Vu@bisvietnam.com.

1& 2/09/22                             School closes - Vietnam National Day holiday

5/09/22                                   Back to school

6/09/22                                   Primary PTG Coffee Morning @8.30am

7&8/09/22                              Primary PTSCs

8/09/22                                   PTG Class Rep Meeting

9/09/22                                   Moon Festival - Primary

13/09/22                                 Maths Coffee Morning EY&I

Medical Updates - URGENT

If you have not completed the ‘updated medical information’ Google Form that was shared by BIS HCMC on the 1^st of August, you will receive an email shortly urging you to do so. This information is vital, especially in the event of an emergency. Your swift completion of this task is much appreciated and thank you to those families who have done so already. If you did not receive the email about medical information, please contact Ms Van (Van.Pho@bisvietnam.com) immediately.

If your child needs the School Nurse to administer any prescribed medication during the school day please do not put medication in the school bag but contact the School Nurse and sign the appropriate form.

Symptomatic (Any Cold/Flu/Covid Symptoms) - stay off school until symptom free. 

Take a precautionary Rapid Antigen Test at home prior to return and keep the school informed. 

Any concern you have at home with the health of your child, and include the Health and Safety Leads of each campus (EYIC Ms Sarah Curran Sarah.Curran@bisvietnam.com  and JC Mr Chris McKelvie Christopher.Mckelvie@bisvietnam.com. 

Ms Sarah Curran and Mr Chris McKelvie, Deputy Headteachers

PTG

A short week at school and we hope you all have some lovely plans for the long weekend.  Just a couple of quick reminders from the Primary PTG this week.

We are really looking forward to next week’s Primary PTG Coffee Morning! It is a great opportunity to meet other parents, whilst learning more about the PTG what the Primary PTG team do and different ways parents can get involved (if you want!)

 We will share more about …

• The Primary PTG – who we are and what we do   
• What events are happening over the next few months and how to get involved (if you wish!)
• The Class Parent & Country reps, why they are important and how they can support you
• Our ‘soon to be launched’ Dads club!
• Upcycling Uniform initiative

…and lots more…

Class Parent Representative

We have had a wonderful response to our request for Class rep volunteers, but still have almost half the classes without a rep. Class reps are such an important part of our school community, helping the core PTG team connect with a greater number of parents, on a more personal level.  If you would like a reminder about what the Class parent rep does, watch the short video here.

If you are inspired to volunteer, please sign up here.

For any Class reps who have signed up, or if you are interested but would like more information, or to meet other class reps, then we invite you to our Class Rep Information meeting on Thursday 8^th Sept @ EYIC Small Hall (3^rd Floor).

Country Representative

Would you like the opportunity to share some of the things you love about your home country with our BIS community during our famous international week? Are you passionate about a place you have lived? Would you be willing to offer support to other families arriving from your home country?  If yes, then volunteering as Country Rep is another wonderful way to support the PTG and parents in our BIS community.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Providing support to new families joining from your country.

• When there are new students arriving at the school from your country, they will be introduced to you.
• Support new families to introduce them to other families and provide any guidance that they may need setting into both the school environment and the local community .

2. Lead your Country group during the International Week (Start of Term 2) 

• Coordinating a food stall at the Global Cafe
• Coordinating any country specific performances

PLEASE NOTE: To take on this role, you do not need to have a passport of the country that you would like to represent. As long as you or your child/children have some connection to that country.

Please review the available slots here and click on the button next to your country to sign up.

As always, for more information about the PTG, to connect with us and ask questions, or if you would like to support as a volunteer, please email us directly on  Primaryptgbis@gmail.com

We look forward to meeting you all soon

Pamela, on behalf of the Primary PTG Team

And Finally…

Over the past few weeks we have seen our new teachers arrive, new families join the BIS community and a great deal of important information shared to ensure a positive start to the new school. It has been wonderful to see how well the children have settled in such a short period of time.

We have now reached the independence day holiday weekend, and have the opportunity to take a break, and reflect on all that has been achieved since the start of term.

Have a relaxing and enjoyable long weekend,

Ian Battersby

Headteacher